‎In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

(Lagos, Wednesday, 06/08/2025) The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, expresses deep concern over a recent incident in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where a female Muslim corps member was reportedly denied clearance by a Local Inspector of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on the grounds that she was wearing a knee-length hijab.

This act is both unlawful and unacceptable. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to religious expression and practice. It is therefore disturbing that an official representing a national institution like the NYSC would flagrantly violate these rights under the guise of uniform regulation or personal discretion.

‎We commend the swift and responsible intervention of the national body of the Muslim Corpers’ Association of Nigeria (MCAN), which promptly engaged the relevant NYSC authorities on the matter. We have been reliably informed that the issue has now been laid to rest and the rights of the affected corps member have been restored. This proactive engagement exemplifies the importance of institutional vigilance in protecting the religious liberties of Muslim citizens.

‎However, MPAC must stress that this is not an isolated incident. Across the country, Muslim female corps members continue to face subtle and overt discrimination due to their choice to wear the hijab – an essential and non-negotiable aspect of their religious identity. These recurring abuses point to a deeper institutional disregard for constitutional provisions and long-standing court judgments affirming the right of Muslim females to adorn the hijab in public institutions.

‎We therefore call on the Director-General of the NYSC to urgently issue an internal directive to all State Coordinators, Local Government Inspectors (LGIs), and Zonal Officers – particularly in the 774 local government areas of the country – reminding them of the constitutional protections afforded to all corps members and the specific rights of Muslim females to wear the hijab as part of their religious obligations.

‎This directive should reiterate that no NYSC official has the right to impose personal or unofficial dress codes that contradict the laws of the land. The NYSC, as a federal agency, must not only operate within the framework of the Constitution but also model equity, religious tolerance, and institutional integrity.

‎The hijab is not a symbol of rebellion or resistance – it is an expression of faith. Denying female Muslims their right to it is an affront to Nigeria’s democracy and a betrayal of the principles upon which the NYSC was founded: unity in diversity, service with dignity, and respect for all.

‎MPAC will continue to monitor similar incidents and will not hesitate to pursue legal and institutional redress wherever the rights of Muslim citizens are violated.

‎-End-

‎Disu Kamor

‎Executive Chairman,

‎Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC)

‎Kamor.disu@mpac-ng.org